Review - 2024 Mazda CX-5

While it remains one of the most stylish midsize SUVs on the market, some of its key rivals have received hybrid engine upgrades in recent years, while the CX-5 range does without the fuel-efficient tech.

There have, however, been some notable technology and equipment upgrades bundled in, so with that in mind, let’s take a closer look at how competitive the CX-5 is amongst its midsize SUV rivals in 2024.

Mazda CX-5 Competition

Starting Price: $36,110

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How Much Does It Cost?

The Mazda CX-5 range is priced from $36,110 for the entry-level CX-5 Maxx, with prices rising up to $39,910 for the CX-5 Maxx Sport FWD, while the CX-5 Maxx Sport AWD is priced at $42,410.

Stepping up to the Mazda CX-5 Touring brings the price to $44,300, while the CX-5 Touring Active is priced at $44,600 and the CX-5 GT SP is priced at $49,910.

Mazda’s CX-5 G25 Akera is priced at $52,100 with prices rising to $52,410 for the GT SP AWD and up to $54,600 for the range-topping CX-5 G35 Akera.

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Mazda CX-5 - G20 MAXX (FWD) Specifications

What Features Does the Mazda CX-5 Have?

Mazda’s entry-level CX-5 Maxx comes riding on a set of 17-inch alloys and receives LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, cloth upholstery with a leather steering wheel & gear lever, a rear-view camera with rear parking sensors, a head-up display, a 7.0-inch TFT instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto paired with a six-speaker sound system.

Stepping up to the CX-5 Maxx Sport adds a set of LED tail lights, dual-zone climate control, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, rear air vents, sat-nav upgrade, wheel-mounted paddle shifters and a rear centre armrest.

Mazda’s CX-5 Touring picks up a set of 19-inch alloys, a wireless smartphone charger, keyless entry, upgraded Maztex upholstery and power-folding mirrors, while the GT SP receives LED daytime running lamps, a panoramic sunroof, black leather upholstery with power-adjustable and heated seats, adaptive lighting, and an upgraded 10-speaker Bose sound system.

Finally, Mazda’s range-topping CX-5 Akera picks up adaptive LED headlights, Nappa leather upholstery with ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, ambient lighting, a surround-view monitor and a heated steering wheel.

Mazda CX-5 Range Features:

• 17-inch alloys 

• LED headlights 

• Adaptive cruise control 

• Cloth upholstery with leather steering wheel & gear lever 

• Head-up display

• Rear-view camera with rear parking sensors 

• 10.25-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

• LED tail lights (Maxx Sport) 

• 19-inch alloys (Touring) 

• Wireless charging pad (Touring) 

• Black leather upholstery (GT SP) 

• Panoramic sunroof (GT SP) 

• 10-speaker Bose sound system (GT SP) 

• Nappa leather upholstery (Akera) 

• Adaptive LED headlights (Akera) 

• Surround-view monitor (Akera)

Is the Mazda CX-5 Comfortable to Drive?

The Mazda CX-5 is a super versatile midsize SUV package that goes to prove that family-friendly motoring doesn’t have to be inherently boring.

While the base model doesn’t offer a heap of power with its 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol pushing out 115kW/200Nm, there’s more than enough on offer to help you up to speed in a super smooth manner thanks to the six-speed automatic transmission.

Our favourite, though, is without a doubt Mazda’s turbocharged 2.5-litre unit that throws out 170kW of power and 420Nm of torque, though the mid-range engine with 140kW/252Nm is a more affordable option in the pursuit of added pace.

Whichever engine you opt for, the Mazda CX-5 offers a very impressive blend of on-road refinement and user-friendly touches that make an errand run or commute a truly pleasant place to sit.

While the steering isn’t featherweight like some of its rivals, the CX-5 is super simple to wrangle into a three-point turn or navigate into a tight car park while the suspension works wonders on smaller bumps around town.

The upside of this weighted steering rack is that the CX-5 offers some serious feedback as you pick up the pace, which will come as a delight for driving enthusiasts and those looking for a more planted, confidence-inspiring nature on the road.

When you leave smooth city streets, you’ll find the Mazda CX-5 rides on the firmer side on country roads, particularly in higher-spec variants that ride on 19-inch alloys.

Overall, though, the Mazda CX-5 confidently ticks all the boxes that family buyers will be looking for in terms of daily driving manners while offering decent engagement as you flatten the throttle, trumping most of its rivals in terms of enthusiasm.

Is it Fuel Efficient?

While the majority of the CX-5’s rivals are picking up some super fuel-efficient hybrid engine technology, the range remains without a hybrid member of the family for now.

The most fuel-efficient member of the range, the entry-level 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol is rated at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle, with figures rising to 7.2L/100km in the 2.5-litre petrol, front-wheel drive CX-5 and up to 7.4L/100km in 2.5-litre AWD variants.

Mazda’s most powerful engine, the turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol is rated at 8.2L/100km.

• 2.0-litre four-cylinder: 6.9L/100km 

• 2.5-litre four-cylinder (FWD): 7.2L/100km 

• 2.5-litre four-cylinder (AWD): 7.4L/100km 

• 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder: 8.2L/100km

Is it Practical and Spacious?

One area that the Mazda CX-5 has never disappointed is the design, quality and execution of the interior which makes even the base model feel more premium than its rivals.

Up front, the CX-5 picks up a tonne of headroom for taller drivers and great visibility that makes town driving a more user-friendly experience.

The quality of the interior finishings is excellent, while the cabin plays host to the usual storage options inside the folding armrest, a pair of cupholders, a storage tray at the base of the dash with USB ports and extremely large door bins on either side of the cabin.

In terms of technology, Mazda has updated the base model with a larger 10.25-inch display over the previous 8.0-inch unit which will certainly come as welcome news for price-conscious buyers.

Move to the rear, and things get a little bit cramped for any tall adults hoping to travel long distances, though you won’t hear a peep from any kids in the rear thanks to the comfortable bench seat.

The second row itself is designed to recline to help passengers get more comfortable on long trips, and picks up a pair of ISOFIX anchors and top tether mounts to accommodate child seats.

Finally, the CX-5 has a boot measuring in at 438L which isn’t the most capacious of the midsize SUV segment, though capacities increase up to 1340L with the rear seats folded to accommodate any sports equipment or bulky cargo.

All up, the Mazda CX-5 is close to a pack leader when it comes to the design and execution of the interior layout, though second-row legroom and outright boot space is lacking compared to the best in the midsize SUV segment.

Is it Safe?

The Mazda CX-5’s ANCAP safety rating has expired, though it’s worth noting it achieved full marks with a five-star ANCAP safety rating; you can view its results below.

• Adult Occupant Protection: 95%

• Child Occupant Protection: 80% 

• Vulnerable Road User Protection: 78% 

• Safety Assist: 59%

As standard, the CX-5 is fitted with forward and rear autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic alerts, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure alerts, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a rear-view camera with rear parking sensors and driver attention alerts.

Stepping up to the Touring adds front parking sensors while the GT SP and Akira pick up the company’s Traffic and Cruising Support systems.

Our Verdict: Is the Mazda CX-5 Worth it?

The Mazda CX-5 is a truly impressive midsize SUV that proves that family-friendly motoring doesn’t need to be a bland, boring affair.

While it might not be the outright leader in terms of practicality and fuel efficiency, it remains one of the most compelling options in the midsize SUV segment and, thanks to a recent equipment upgrade, it’s packing more features than ever before.

As a result, we can’t help but recommend you add it to your shortlist if you’re in the market for a fun and family-friendly midsize SUV.

If you’re looking to upgrade to a new car, be sure to reach out to one of our car-buying experts who can help find you the best price on your next car.

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. Five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty 

2. Six-speed automatic transmission, FWD & AWD available 

3. 6.9 - 8.2L/100km fuel economy figures 

4. 438L boot expands to 1340L with rear seats folded 

5. 1800-2000kg braked towing capacity